Meet Our Team

Fred W. Middleton

Chairman Emeritus, Investment Advisor

Fred W. Middleton

Chairman Emeritus, Investment Advisor

Sendero is Spanish for path through the wilderness. Fred has created and led Sendero with vision for the last 25 years. He challenges Sendero daily to be the best it can be for families, friends and employees. Fred has always provided wise counsel to those in need throughout his career. He is fond of saying, “We help you invest in memories.” This has meant guiding through challenges, cheering when needed and celebrating successes over and over. Along the path, Fred has strategically chosen his team. Each addition has been carefully selected for their unique qualities which continue to strengthen the Sendero legacy. With a God-given talent and passion, he has created an organization that lives to serve. Fred brings over five decades of experience to Sendero. Along with founding Sendero, he also founded the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation, a foundation built to encourage, foster, support and conduct activities and programs to benefit Texas children. Fred has one rule in life “You do it right every day, even when it might hurt”.

Scott R. McMillian, CPA, CFP®

Chairman, Investment Advisor

Scott R. McMillian, CPA, CFP®

Chairman, Investment Advisor

The founding philosophy of protecting and caring for families as if they were our own continues today and is embodied by the entire Sendero team. Scott and Fred knew the importance of creating a firm that would offer distinct, conflict-free stewardship strategies. Scott has focused on molding a team that challenges consensus views and rewards independent thinking. He encourages teams to be unconventional and yet strategic in their thoughts. In this way, Sendero is actively securing a pathway to move your legacy forward. Scott is dedicated to asking pertinent questions of clients, in order to better serve them rather than selling them products. “I have learned more over my career by taking the time to have honest conversations. It’s easier to serve a client when you listen to them!”

Elizabeth Flavin Crawford

Chief Executive Officer, Investment Advisor

Elizabeth Flavin Crawford

Chief Executive Officer, Investment Advisor

Stewardship: An ethic that embodies the careful, responsible planning and management entrusted to one’s care; the acceptance or assignment to shepherd and safeguard the valuables of others; choosing service over self-interest. For Liz, stewardship speaks to her at her core. She demonstrates her commitment to stewardship in her passion for strengthening families, institutions and serving the community. As a second-generation advisor, results of thoughtful investing and her devotion for others is engrained in her DNA. “Whether an institution or a family, there are challenges to managing wealth.” Liz brings a practical approach, working to simplifying the complex nature of investing. She is passionate about helping those she serves flourish and avoid mistakes.

Edward A. Hart

President, Investment Advisor

Edward A. Hart

President, Investment Advisor

Unconventional thinking is a key principle in Sendero Wealth Management’s client interaction philosophy. It is also a fundamental component of Ed Hart’s background. Ed spent six years working in manufacturing and technology businesses before attending graduate business school and then starting a career in the investment advisory industry. He leans on that real-world experience regularly when working with entrepreneurs and executives who are looking for help in diversifying their wealth. “Our industry loves to create and pitch product. My experience has taught me to first ask the uncomfortable questions and then help find solutions to solve problems.”

Roy H. Trice

Partner, Sendero Partners

Roy H. Trice

Partner, Sendero Partners

History does not repeat itself but it does rhyme. Roy has a three-decade history of and a passion for building great companies. He was the original architect that created Fred and Scott’s partnership in the late 90’s. Roy’s intellectual curiosity compels him to study organizations and opportunities. Sendero is the benefactor of Roy’s experience. Whether assessing the strengths and weakness of a potential manager’s team and organization, weighing investment opportunities or strategically planning Sendero’s future, our clients’ best interests are at the heart of all decisions.

John B. Rowsell, PhD

Chief Strategist, Sendero Partners

John B. Rowsell, PhD

Chief Strategist, Sendero Partners

At Sendero, we are investors. Finding investment opportunities, regardless of the market environment, is the challenge we face. John’s extensive network within the hedge fund industry, from his many years of evaluating managers and strategies, provides him with a unique vantage point and information flow. Our partnership with John allows our clients unparalleled access to preeminent managers and strategies. Our due diligence team has benefited from John’s guidance and discipline and our clients are benefiting from John’s tremendous knowledge and insight.

Work Background

(2019 - Present) Chief Strategist, Sendero Partners

(2014 - 2019) Strategic Advisor, Sendero Partners

(2012 - Present) Partner, Canyon Road Capital, L.P.

Former Managing Director, Head of Principal Strategies, Man Group, PLC

Amaury de Barros Conti

Vice President, Research & Strategy

Amaury de Barros Conti

Vice President, Research & Strategy

“Investing with passion” is a key tenet of Sendero. It is also a fundamental component of Amaury’s background. Amaury spent over twelve years working on a trading desk looking for trends and learning how markets behave. Along with being a student of the market, Amaury’s other passion is aviation. He leans on that wide-ranging and disciplined experience regularly when working with clients and money managers. “Identifying why markets are behaving a certain way is key to being a successful investor. There is always a bull market somewhere!”

Tara D. Maxwell, PHR, SHRM-CP

Vice President, Client Service & Human Resources

Tara D. Maxwell, PHR, SHRM-CP

Vice President, Client Service & Human Resources

Sendero lives by Abraham Lincoln’s creed, “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” Tara has spent her career embracing this mantra. She believes that every person should be challenged to be the best they can and given permission forge a path of greatness. Sendero offers an environment that does that for our employees and the clients we serve. Tara says, “It excites me to know we are quietly making a huge impact in our community through the work we and our clients do”. Tara started her investments career nearly two decades ago. Along the way, she has helped Fred and Scott move their legacy of empowering employees and clients forward.

Lisa G. Kahn-Smith

Chief Compliance Officer

Lisa G. Kahn-Smith

Chief Compliance Officer

Doing it right every day, even if it hurts, is Sendero’s philosophy. Lisa has almost four decades of experience working alongside Fred Middleton in her role as Chief Compliance Officer and Principal of the firm, her goal is to continue to educate and instill Sendero’s culture in every employee. Lisa has built lifelong relationships along the way. She is known to say “They aren’t just clients, they are part of our family”. Lisa has devoted her entire career helping Fred realize his vision of Sendero Wealth Management which has been a great adventure. She love’s seeing the company continue to grow with such talented people.

R. Tyler Davies

Investment Advisor

R. Tyler Davies

Investment Advisor

Sendero was built with a stay wealthy approach. Making prudent investment decisions is contingent upon being educated and informed. Tyler’s experience at a national bank during the financial crisis helped mold his approach to risk management. “Return goals are the easy part of the conversation. Honest discussions regarding risk are equally as important but not as much fun to talk about. Our job as advisors is to educate and inform our clients, find where return goals and risk tolerance meet, and build a portfolio that accomplishes our clients’ goals.” At Sendero, we help our clients keep their goals in mind while navigating all parts of the market cycle.

David Dale

Information Technology Director

David Dale

Information Technology Director

Sendero was built to be a leader by marrying technological expertise with family care for the relationships we serve. David embraces that spirit of care for our clients and our firm. He acts as a guardian and guide of Sendero’s information technology systems, shepherding Sendero through an ever-changing technology filled world. David’s inherent desire to learn and understand how things work brings to Sendero an enterprise vantage point. His enthusiasm for learning and an ability to combine the best of breed ideas has created a robust technological offering from Sendero. David is an advocate for utilizing technology to make life simpler.

Brenda D. Allen

Senior Operations Specialist & AML Compliance Officer

Brenda D. Allen

Senior Operations Specialist & AML Compliance Officer

Sendero was created to be advocates for its clients. Brenda advocates for clients everyday with her integrity and determination. Her efforts are rarely known by clients but the fruit of her labors are enjoyed by all. Her nearly four decades of experience bring a wealth of knowledge to the Sendero’s clients. She enthusiastically accepts every challenge that comes her direction.

George Watson

Operations Manager

George Watson

Operations Manager

Sendero’s commitment to service drives all aspects of our business. This commitment has resonated with George throughout his professional career. He prides himself in providing exceptional service to all that he serves. George believes that service is always enduring, and at many times the strongest component of a relationship. “It is my belief that I can help build peace of mind for our clients by building on the trust they place in me to take care of them.”

Anne Buckthal Chilton, CFA

Senior Portfolio Manager

Anne Buckthal Chilton, CFA

Senior Portfolio Manager

Our greatest legacy is the relationships we steward. Anne is an advocate for families, building relationships through care and listening. Her ability to listen is one of her most significant strengths; a strategic advantage in addressing the challenges of wealth. Her strengths are seen in the leadership she demonstrates amongst her peers. You will find Anne involved in every crucial project. It is this enthusiasm in tending to client relationships, her team and her community that tells us she will be shepherding prosperity for future generations.

Diane M. Connor

Client Relationship Specialist

Diane M. Connor

Client Relationship Specialist

At Sendero we put clients first in all that we do. Diane exemplifies this spirit by always seeing that clients’ needs are met. She has a long tenure of focusing on the details and nuances of each relationship, allowing her to exceed clients’ expectations. Colleagues and clients rely on her ability to comb through the details. Diane embodies a servant’s heart in all that she does.

Lori K. Darchicourt, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Lori K. Darchicourt, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Sendero’s mission is to change lives through strengthening families, empowering clients and building peace of mind. We do this through having honest conversations and educating our clients, all while embracing a culture of doing the right thing no matter what. The integrity of this mission aligns with Lori’s personal core values and is one of the reasons she joined Sendero. She takes pride in doing the right thing, problem solving, strategizing and analyzing. Lori feels that the role of the accounting organization is to not only be a good steward of our resources, but to also provide meaningful information to aide in making decisions, which support our mission and ultimately, benefits our clients.

David H. Coull

Senior Systems Administrator

David H. Coull

Senior Systems Administrator

Security has always been a top priority for Sendero. Our mandate is to assure that we have partnerships with technology service providers that are in alignment with our commitment to keeping clients information safe. David makes this his daily goal. He enjoys the challenges and pace of our industry while concentrating on the complexities of compliance surrounding new technology. Sendero’s IT team is dedicated to making technology a tool that ensures safety and a better experience for clients.

Work Background

(2017–Present) Senior System Administrator, Sendero Wealth Management

(2001–Present) IS Director, Mastrapasqua Asset Management

IS Director, The Trust Company

IS Manager, ME Allison

IS Manager, Waddell & Reed

Education and Volunteer

Texas State University; Major in Computer Science and Minor in Technology

Kaela B. Eby

Client Relationship Specialist

Kaela B. Eby

Client Relationship Specialist

For Sendero, trust is a foundational pillar to establishing strong and lasting relationships. Kaela believes that trust is built through exceptional client service. Every day she strives to go above and beyond to exceed client expectations. Since joining the Sendero team in 2019, Kaela has endeavored to build solid relationships.

Carmen M. Goerges

Marketing Coordinator & Foundations Specialist

Carmen M. Goerges

Marketing Coordinator & Foundations Specialist

Sendero is unique, our culture is rare and our passion to serve is indisputable. Carmen strives to make the essence of Sendero come alive in all of our content, social media and marketing endeavors. Carmen personifies Sendero; each event she coordinates has her signature touch and attention to detail. She is passionate about Sendero's philanthropic initiatives taking a guiding role in our efforts to impact the community.

Rahnae Johnson

Client Experience Coordinator

Rahnae Johnson

Client Experience Coordinator

Sendero was founded on the idea that a client should come first and be treated as family. Rahnae ensures our clients have a delightful journey with Sendero. She knows communication and listening are a very important part of any relationship. Rahnae listens with compassion and a true interest in what happens in their lives. She strongly believes it is important our clients know we want to be their first call anytime they need assistance.

Rodrigo Lopez

Financial Analyst

Rodrigo Lopez

Financial Analyst

Sendero was founded with the principle that details matter. In this technology driven era, information veracity is paramount. One must cull through the noise to find the clearest picture of what truly matters. For Sendero, it is extremely important to produce the highest quality asset allocation models. In his quantitative role, Rodrigo helps create models and mines for information critical to making the best investment decisions for clients. Rodrigo embodies Sendero’s passion for serving others through his unique skills marrying technology and deep financial knowledge.

Ariel Palomo

Senior Client Relationship Specialist

Ariel Palomo

Senior Client Relationship Specialist

Sendero and its employees adhere to the strict honor code, “You do it right every day, even if it might hurt”. Ariel personifies this daily in his work. He enjoys creating a meaningful bond with the relationships he serves. This bond and personally engaging in finding solutions for clients. Ariel says, “I receive personal satisfaction and sense of accomplishment when I help my clients solve problems.” Ariel joined Sendero in 2017 and brings with him a passion for building a legacy of assisting clients.

Sadie I. Schweers

Portfolio Manager

Sadie I. Schweers

Portfolio Manager

Sendero was built with a core promise to serve. Sadie exemplifies altruism in her daily work and is determined to create positive change for her clients and the community. Her vast knowledge and experience working with non-profits, as a board member and a volunteer, has truly solidified her as a philanthropic leader. Her ingenuity and methodical approach in solving for the complex will continue to benefit her clients and the community alike.

Debbie A. Ponzio

Client Experience Associate

Debbie A. Ponzio

Client Experience Associate

Our promise is to protect and care for our families as if they were our own. Debbie has spent over twenty years cultivating her commitment to treat clients as family. She is committed to making each client’s journey with Sendero exceptional.

Fabian J. Rodriguez

Senior Portfolio Manager

Fabian J. Rodriguez

Senior Portfolio Manager

Trust - assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something, (Merriam-Webster). Sendero firmly believes trust cannot be outsourced. Fabian is a trusted advocate for families and boards, a true complement to the work they are doing. He earns their respect through his collaboration and ability to simplify complex ideas, building peace of mind in his intricate knowledge of every client he works with. As an advocate, he focuses on client goals and strives to keep clients on their path to attaining them. No project is too big for him.

Adam D. Roth

Accountant

Adam D. Roth

Accountant

Our entire team supports your stewardship strategy. Adam oversees client billing, as well as business intelligence. Never content with the status quo, he continues to search for ways to improve processes. Adam is dedicated to serving our clients and his team.

Cindy M. Wyatt

Human Resources Associate

Cindy M. Wyatt

Human Resources Associate

Trust, Honor, Respect, Service and Family are Sendero’s core values. Cindy embodies these values in her work. As a leader, she brings people together and challenges teams to stay focused while putting their best foot forward. She doesn’t limit her leadership to inside the office; Cindy is often the impetus for Team Sendero competing in many of the local sports-related fundraisers.